Gauteng readies for festive season medical surge

Gauteng's Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has assured residents that the province is equipped to handle increased medical emergencies during the festive season. Speaking at a briefing near the N3 in Heidelberg, she highlighted sufficient staffing and resources across hospitals and clinics. The emergency fleet, including 520 ambulances, stands ready for deployment.

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko addressed concerns about healthcare demands during the upcoming festive period at a media briefing held near the N3 highway in Heidelberg on December 12, 2025. She emphasized the province's preparedness to manage a surge in medical emergencies, driven by travel, gatherings, and celebrations.

"I want to assure the residents of Gauteng that our hospitals, our clinics, across all five districts of health services, are fully prepared for the busy weekends ahead," Nkomo-Ralehoko stated. "We’ve taken proactive measures to ensure adequate resources and staffing to serve our residents effectively, during the critical time when the demand for healthcare intensifies. All our 24-hour community health centres will continue operating as normal throughout the festive season."

The MEC detailed the readiness of the emergency response system, noting that the fleet is fully maintained and includes 520 ambulances along with specialized vehicles such as ICU units, response cars, rescue services, and disaster management tools. This setup aims to address potential injuries and health issues promptly.

Nkomo-Ralehoko urged the public to stay vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and prioritize responsible behavior to minimize risks. "As we go on our journeys, attend gatherings and celebrate the festive season, everyone should adhere to safety measures to help reduce injuries and create a healthier, safer environment," she added via social media. This proactive stance reflects ongoing efforts to maintain public health amid seasonal pressures in the province.

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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy at N1 Kranskop tollgate urging Easter road safety amid heavy traffic.
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Transport minister Creecy urges road safety ahead of Easter weekend

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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called on motorists to adhere to road rules ahead of the Easter weekend during a safety inspection at the N1 Kranskop tollgate in Limpopo. She emphasised avoiding alcohol and drugs, obeying speed limits, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. Authorities reported heavy traffic on major highways as holiday travel begins.

Road safety operations in Gauteng have been ramped up as the festive season ends and holidaymakers head home. Traffic officers are working with police and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department to manage increased traffic on major routes. Authorities urge caution to prevent accidents amid expected heavy volumes.

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The Eastern Cape Transport Department is optimistic about maintaining a decline in road fatalities through the holiday season. Officials report fewer deaths compared to the previous year amid heightened traffic. Enhanced roadblocks and enforcement aim to curb risky behaviors like speeding and hit-and-runs.

Maelfu ya Wakenya wanaendelea kusafiri vijijini kujiunga na familia zao kwa sikukuu za Krismasi na Mwaka Mpya licha ya changamoto za kiuchumi na hali ya hewa. Vikosi vya usalama vimeshirikiana na mamlaka kama NTSA ili kuzuia ajali barabarani, huku hoteli nchini zikiwa zimeshinikizwa na wageni. Wataalamu wanashauri maandalizi ya magari na busara katika matumizi ya fedha ili kuepuka majuto.

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Gauteng's agriculture department has intensified its battle against the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa, launching large-scale vaccinations as cases climb to 228, impacting over 260,000 animals. Officials say the increase reflects enhanced surveillance rather than rapid spread, building on national efforts to contain the disease across provinces.

Residents of Johannesburg are preparing for potential water shortages over the festive season as Rand Water shuts down two key treatment stations for maintenance. The work, spanning from 13 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, will affect supplies in several areas including Soweto and Randburg. Authorities have outlined contingency measures, including deploying water tankers, to mitigate the impact.

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A series of veld and bushfires has prompted the closure of parts of the N2 highway near Nelson Mandela Bay, driven by extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds. Communities remain vigilant as firefighting efforts strain resources in the Eastern Cape. No homes have been lost, but agricultural land has suffered significant damage.

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